CV

2008 – Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
Dissertation topic: Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on communication and learning: a case study. Advisor: Dr. Barbara Martin.

Missouri State University

Completed 22 graduate hours in Computer Information Systems.

1999 – Masters of Science in Secondary Administration.
Completed Seminar research on Differences in Utilization of Technology between Large, Medium, and Small Schools in Missouri.

Abilene Christian University

1992 – Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, Certification in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems; Graduated Cum Laude with a double major in Secondary Education and Business Administration and a minor in Computer Science; Abilene, Texas.

EXPERIENCE

Burton’s Garden of Schools
5/99 to present

Headmaster/owner. Beginning in 1999 my wife and I began an online school to provide educational support for home-schooled children. My responsibilities included oversee faculty, curriculum development, website, and technological innovation to improve online educational experiences for K12 students.

Abilene Christian University
8/07 to present

Assistant Professor of Information Technology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas; Teaching courses in Human-Computer Interface, Networking, Network Security, Programming, Introduction to Digital Entertainment, Intermediate Digital Entertainment, Massive Multiplayer Online Game Development and iPhone/iPad/Android Programming. Developed new major and minor in Digital Entertainment Technology in the fields of Game Development, Game Engineering, and Digital Media Production. Sponsor of Digital Entertainment & Education Developers student organization. iPhone Fellow researching collaboration using mobile devices. iPad Optimist project leader – Developed Apple iPad application for university newspaper. Named teaching faculty of the year – College of Business/iSchool, 2010 and received the Dean’s award for outstanding research, 2011.

Missouri State University
6/97 to present

Served in various capacities over a fourteen-year period at Missouri State University, each position requiring greater responsibility. I initially was hired as staff to manage a campus computer lab. I soon began teaching adjunct courses for the Computer Information Systems department. Upon completion of my master’s degree I was brought on as a full-time lecturer in Computer Information Systems. While working on my doctorate, I assist the College of Education complete their NCATE accreditation by creating the first of its kind online accreditation website. After successfully completing NCATE accreditation, I returned to full-time faculty as an Assistant Professor on the West Plains campus where I served as the Distance Learning Coordinator, created and co-chaired the Computer Graphics and Programming degree, chaired the Computer Science/Computer Information Systems department and taught courses in Computer Graphics and Programming, Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. Since leaving Missouri State University, I have maintained a close relationship and occasionally teach online graduate courses for the Computer Information Systems department. A specific break down of responsibilities follows:

12/03 to 12/07 -Assistant Professor/Department Chair of Computer Information Systems/Computer Graphics & Programming/Computer Science/Distance Learning Coordinator, Missouri State University – West Plains, Missouri; Teaching courses in Introduction to Storyboarding for Movies and Games, Graphics Programming I, Graphics Programming II, Introduction to Programming, Windows Programming, Advanced Visual Basic, Java, Flash, Computer Operating System, Network and Data Communications, and Server Operations, and Security and Maintenance. Created and supervised new degree program in Computer Graphics & Programming department. Provided faculty development and training in distance learning. Developed and maintained a completion program for students to continue their Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems at the MSU-West Plains campus.

11/01 to 11/03 -Web Coordinator for College of Education, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri; Collaborate in the design, development and construction of the Professional Education website. Assisted in the organization of accreditation documents and responsible for the development of electronic files in accordance with NCATE Unit Standards, DESE standards and institutional guidelines. Responsibilities also include teaching educational technology courses at the Springfield and West Plains campus.

Computer Coordinator and teacher of Computer Literacy, Computer Applications, and Advanced Placement Computer Programming, Ft. Worth, Texas; Designed and implemented a K-12 computer literacy program, teaching students, teachers, administrators and the community in all aspects of using computers. Developed and implemented internet presence for the school system.

Installation and Maintenance Group Leader, University Computing Services; Oversaw the operations of the Computer Installation and Maintenance areas. Duties included the supervising of a 30 member team in the installation and maintenance of over 14,000 microcomputers and related equipment; Maintain programs necessary for day to day operations; Developed ongoing training for staff and students; Assist with the maintenance of the wide area network; Muncie, Indiana.

Burton, B. G. (2008). Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on communication and learning: a case study. Doctoral dissertation, University of Missouri – Columbia.

Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Mhlanga, F. S., Robbins, J. (2011) What are the Practices and Challenges of Teaching Mobile Computing at the University Level? American Educational Research Association Convention, New Orleans, LA.

Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N., Thomas, D. (2009) Collaboration and the use of three dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment. Presented at American Educational Research Association, San Diego, CA.

Burton, B. G., Martin, B. N. (2008) The Use of Three Dimensional Interface within a Virtual Learning Environment and the impact on Student Collaboration and Knowledge Creation. Presented at ReLIVE 08, Milton Keynes, England.

Burton, B. G. (2007) Served on a panel discussion on the educational uses of immersive environments at FuturePlay. Toronto, Canada.

Burton, B. G., Lewis, S., Pybus, K., Wiggins, M (2010) Romancing the app:How four faculty members and 12 students from three departments moved the Optimist to the iPad in 60 days. Presented for Faculty Enrichment, ACU.

Burton, B. G. (2009) The use of three-dimensional interface within a virtual learning environment and the impact on student collaboration and knowledge creation. Presented for Faculty Enrichment, ACU.